Bermuda Regiment soldiers will depart on Sunday for their annual two-week overseas training expedition to Titchfield Camp in Portland Parish, Jamaica.A press release from the Regiment said of Exercise Rum Runner: “In the hot, harsh, and unforgiving surroundings of the Blue Mountains they will be tested physically, mentally and militarily.”It also explained: “During the camp, the troops will be given the opportunity to put all the training they’ve received into practice.“They’ll also experience all the rigours of living in austere conditions where they will have to rely on themselves and their fellow service personnel.“The troops will utilise some of the more practical training they’ve come to learn so far such as patrolling, setting up defensive positions, and field craft skills.“Troops will also be called upon to engage in simulated combat scenarios where they must work in conjunction with other support units to effectively subdue the enemy, neutralise threats such as IEDs [improvised explosive devices] and cordon areas to ensure safety for civilians and fellow troops.”Members of the Regiment’s Support Company and Quartermaster’s Company will provide logistical support such as attending to medical needs in the field, setting up and maintaining communication outposts and transporting soldiers over unfamiliar terrain.Participants in the camp will also engage in adventure training including abseiling, river crossing, jungle survival, orienteering, and other activities designed to develop their mental robustness and lateral thinking.According to Lieutenant Shea-tai Smith of A Company, the camp will help develop camaraderie among the soldiers.“Exercises that the troops engage in while in Jamaica are primarily team building and allow unlikely leaders to step up to the plate,” he said, adding that the camp will also be beneficial to the Island as a whole.“Bermuda always needs to have a capable and well-trained unit prepared for emergencies. In case of a security issue or hurricane, the troops’ overseas training equips them to respond effectively and ensure public safety,” he said.Meanwhile, Regimental Sergeant Major Gavin Rayner has warned the soldiers what will happen if they choose to engage in illegal activity while in Jamaica.“The Regimental Sergeant Major painted a clear picture of what a Jamaican prison looks like, and if any soldiers found themselves in there, (he said) the Adjutant and he wouldn’t be in a rush to get them out,” according to the press release.It added that every soldier and officer will have their belongings searched by the Regiment and Jamaican security forces during the trip.Useful website: www.bermudaregiment.bm